Galaxy Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat over to 350°F.
2. 2
   Mix thoroughly butter, sugar, vanilla, and, if desired, a few drops of food coloring.
3. 3
   Work in salt and flour until dough holds together.
4. 4
   If dough is dry, mix in 1 to 2 Tbsp light cream.
5. 5
   Mold dough by tablespoonfuls around date, nut, candy, cherry, or a few chocolate pieces.
6. 6
   Roll into balls.
7. 7
   Place cookies about 1-inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
8. 8
   Bake 12-15 minutes until set but not brown.
9. 9
   Prepare icing by mixing confectioners sugar with light cream or milk and vanilla until smooth.
10. 10
    If desired, stir in a few drops of food coloring.
11. 11
    For a tasty chocolate icing, increase light cream to 3 tbsp and stir in 1 oz melted unsweetened chocolate.
12. 12
    Let cookies cool, then dip tops of cookies into icing several times to get a good layer.
13. 13
    If desired, immediately decorate with coconut, nuts, colored sugar, candies, chocolate pieces or chocolate shot.
14. 14
    Makes 20 to 25 cookies.
15. 15
    Variations: Brown Sugar Galaxy Cookies: Substitute 1/2 c brown sugar (packed) for the confectioners' sugar and omit food color.
16. 16
    Chocolate Galaxy Cookies: Omit food color and stir in 1 oz melted unsweetened chocolate (cooled) into butter mixture.